Morningside school celebrates milestone with 110 year celebration
When the school opened in 1912 it was known as Florida Road Government School.
CELEBRATION was in the air as Gordon Road Girls’ School (GRGS) commemorated their 110th birthday on Tuesday, February 1. The school community also welcomed new principal, Dr Sheeren Saloojee as the the14th principal appointed to GRGS.
Saloojee said the school will celebrate the milestone birthday throughout the year. Celebrations kicked off on Tuesday with a birthday assembly for a few invited guests, staff and learners. Speaking at the assembly, Saloojee said she was privileged to take up her new role.
“We are crafting our story of the future, which will give birth to a host of new narratives. We affirm our identity and reason for existing at this point in our history,” she said.
Saloojee noted that the school opened on February 1, 1912.
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“It was known then as the Florida Road Government School. It began with thirty learners in the infant level and Mrs Nelson Palmer was the first principal,” she said.
Today the school is home to 484 learners from Grade 000 to Grade 7.
“In 1918 the first school library was opened with 88 books. Today, our library today boasts both a junior and senior section and offers 16 000 books for learners to choose from,” said Saloojee.
Other milestones in the school’s history include the addition of tennis courts in 1927, the school hall in 1961 and more recently, the arts centre built in 2007 and the Learner Support and Enrichment Centre which was built in 2015.
Welcoming the new principal
While her post as principal is new, Salojee is no stranger to the school. As a parent, she has been involved with GRGS life for 10 years. She began her teaching career in 28 years ago.
“Being a parent at the school for the duration of my daughter’s primary schooling at GRGS, I know the strong traditions that the school hold dear,” said Salojee.
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She hopes to continue the school’s legacy this year.
“At GRGS we offer our girls great opportunities to grow and develop holistically because we complement our academic curriculum with interesting co-curricular activities which help our girls to be well-rounded and well-grounded. This tradition has stood the test of time,” she said.
While Covid-19 protocols limited school activities last year, Saloojee hopes to revive these this year.
“My next project is to reopen a well-refurbished and upgraded health bar where our learners can enjoy a variety of healthy snacks,” she said.
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